Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Middle School Ld Math Teachers: Are They Following Regular Educational Programming Or Instituting Specialized Programs?, Sandra A. Meyer

Theses & Honors Papers

A review of the literature indicated that students with learning disabilities graduate from high school without a solid background in mathematics. It is the responsibility of the special education teacher to find and implement methods to reverse this trend. Regular education middle school math teachers and learning disabilities middle school teachers were surveyed to determine whether or not these teachers currently use similar instructional methods. Questions included what types of methods each group were using in their math classes. Respondents were asked to indicate if they often used a discovery method, peer tutoring, drill and practice, small group activities, or …

Regular And Special Educators' Attitudes Towards Dual Certification, Beth Anne Deluca

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of regular and special education teachers towards dual certification. In this study the attitudes of elementary, special and dual certified teachers are compared.

An attitude survey designed by the researcher was administered to 62 subjects. From this population, approximately 31 of the subjects were certified as regular education teachers, 17 were certified as special education teachers and 14 were certified in both special and regular education.

Tests of significance and percentages of subjects responses were conducted to analyze the data. Also, a Scheffe F-test was conducted to determine precisely which …

The Integration Of Students With Specific Learning Disabilities In A Rural School System, Catharine B. Kerr

Theses & Honors Papers

This study analyzed data collected from a small, rural school division to determine how the integration of students with SLD into general education classrooms was being implemented. Specifically, a survey was conducted to determine if appropriate accommodations were being made for these students and how student outcomes were being evaluated. Respondents included all personnel who were involved in the evaluation and eligibility processes for students with SLD (N=140). Results indicated that, although some active efforts are occurring to integrate students with SLD into general education classrooms, no formal plan for implementation exists in the school division surveyed. General education teachers …

Learning Style Adaptations And The Effect On Sight Word Recognition Achievement Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Andrea Elizabeth Wollett

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of the study was to investigate the sight word recognition of two students with learning disabilities from a private school in Virginia, after adaptations to their learning styles had been made. The experimental design used to assess the effects of learning style adaptations on sight word recognition was a multiple probe across word groups. A combination of the Dolch and Fry Sight Word Lists determined the unmastered sight words for both subjects. The Dunn and Dunn Learning Style Inventory was used to identify the subjects' preferred learning style. The results of the study indicated that when adaptations were …

A Retrospective Study Of Preschool Handicapped Children, Tracey Lynn Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The hypothesis of this study is that preschool handicapped programs are indicative of what type of educational setting a child will be placed in during his future years of education. The data for this study was collected from three different school districts of varying size and socio-economic backgrounds. Children who were classified preschool handicapped during the 1989-90 school year were followed during their kindergarten and fourth grade years of school. It was found that it is difficult to predict where a child will be placed throughout his educational career by looking at his reasons for classification during preschool. Data from …

Effects Of A Parent's Intervention To Decrease Stereotypic Behavior And Increase Interactions Using Self-Management Treatment For Students With Autism In Korea, Jeongil Kim

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The present investigation examined the effects of a parent's intervention to teach students with autism self-management to decrease their stereotypic behaviors. A time-lagged ABA (A represents the first baseline, B does intervention, and A does the second baseline) design was used. Three mothers of children with autism were trained to reduce their children's stereotypic behaviors using a self-monitoring strategy. The training for the parent was conducted in two settings after the first baseline condition. A classroom was used for the first training session and the home was used for the second training session. The intervention by the parent was conducted …

Physical Attractiveness In Learning Disabled And Non Learning Disabled Fourth And Fifth Graders, Kenneth Gerald Solomon

Theses

The differences in subjective perceptions of physical attractiveness of learning disabled (LD) and non learning disabled (NLD) children were investigated. Three hundred and seventy-seven fourth and fifth grade students self-rated their appearance using the Body-Esteem Scales (Mendelson, B. K. & White, D.R., 1982). Thirty-six NLD males and females were randomly selected to match the number of LD children in both grades. (An ANOV A was used to calculate the differences in the means of the two groups.) Although the results did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the groups, a difference did occur indicating more negative perception of attractiveness …

Implementing Dansereau's Murder Technique To Teach Learning Disabled Students, Susan Fuller Pope

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

High School learning disabled students were taught prefix and suffix meanings from an adaption of Donald Dansereau's MURDER strategy in cooperative learning groups. Two groups participated in a two week long study, with only one group using the MURDER strategy. The results were measured with post-test scores in a Pearson product moment correlation matrix and indicated that there was no correlation between using the MURDER strategy and being taught with standardized worksheets. However, students who were engaged in the MURDER technique, scored higher on their post-tests than those who did not. In addition, the students scored higher between pretests and …

A Conceptual Analysis Of The Appropriate Role Of Assistive Technology In The Education Of Students With Disabilities, Martell Menlove

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Assistive technology allows students with disabilities opportunities for greater independence, improved productivity, and increased functional capabilities. It removes obstacles, helps students overcome disabilities, and holds great promise for enriching educational outcomes and affecting the lives of students. However, for over 90% of special education students, assistive technology is not part of their education. One reason for not applying assistive technology to help students is the lack of a clear vision of what assistive technology is, what it can help students accomplish, and how to appropriately access it through individualized education programs (IEPs).

In this study a comprehensive concept analysis clarified …

The Effects Of Positive Action And The Sexual Abuse Prevention Program On Sexually Abused Students' Behavior, Social Skills, And Self-Esteem, Paul W. Houser

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to examine the effects of the Positive Action Program and the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program on sexually abused students' behavior, social skills, and self-esteem. Four classrooms of multiple handicapped elementary aged students in Burlington County Special Services District were selected, giving a sample of forty-four. Each week pupils received four lessons, for twenty minutes each, of instruction in the two programs. Prior to program implementation in the Fall and again in the Spring students rated their social skills development, behavior problems, and self-esteem.

Results indicated that the programs in the course of only a six month …

Relationship Between General Education Teachers' Sense Of Efficacy And Use Of Accommodations For Students With Learning Disabilities In General Education Classrooms, Lori Andrews Jones

Theses & Honors Papers

One hundred and five middle school general education teachers of English, math, social studies, and science in Virginia were surveyed to determine if their reported levels of teaching efficacy and personal teaching efficacy were related to their use of accommodations for mainstreamed students with learning disabilities. A 32-item self-efficacy scale was used to assess subjects' levels of teaching efficacy and personal teaching efficacy. A 41-item survey was constructed to assess the extent to which subjects used accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Results showed a significant positive correlation between subjects' sense of personalteaching efficacy and their use of accommodations for …

Homework, An Educational Instructional Technique Used In The Middle School Special Education Classroom, Charles R. Murphy

Theses & Honors Papers

The assignment patterns, frequency, and perceptions of homework as an educational instructional device was investigated in middle school special education classroom teachers. A general topic questionnaire was generated and administered to each of the middle school special education teachers who volunteered for this study. A population sample was used in the survey to represent, determine, and investigate the application of homework as an instructional technique. The survey also referenced specific questions on teachers' attitudes and perspectives on whether homework should be employed as a device to improve learning, comprehension, and retention of materials being presented in the classroom. The results …

The Perspectives Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Elizabeth A. Pasto

Theses & Honors Papers

One hundred and fifteen middle and high school students with learning disabilities selected from the Learning Disabilities Association of Virginia were surveyed on their perceptions on homework. An adapted questionnaire was used to collect data for this study with an 18.22% return rate.

Descriptive statistics and Chi square were used to analyze data for this study. Results obtained from the Chi square analysis show that middle school students daydreamed or played with objects and needed reminders to start homework more often than high school students. Several inconsistencies regarding completion rates of homework and amount of complaining about homework were revealed …

Can The Use Of Self-Management Techniques Be Effective In Reducing The Off-Task Behaviors Of Multiply Handicapped Students?, Lori M. Rosenthal

Theses and Dissertations

Can the use of self-management techniques be effective in reducing the off-task behaviors of multiply handicapped students? For the purposes of this study, multiply handicapped students were defined as mentally retarded and the method of self-management used was self-recording. Three students out of a class of ten were chosen based on a teacher rating scale. The lowest averaged scores determined which students were off-task the most. In addition, a multiple baseline design measured the occurrence and non-occurrence of nine target behaviors, three per student.

The results showed self-recording to be an effective intervention in eight out of the nine targeted …

Regular Education Teachers' Perceptions About Having A Student With Emotional Behavioral Disorders In Their Classrooms, Kimberly Mason

Theses & Honors Papers

This study investigated the perceptions of 60 regular education teachers (30 elementary school and 30 high school) about having a student with emotional/behavioral disorders in their classroom. The teachers responded to 19 questions concerning the student's academic and behavioral performance using a 4-point Likert scale. The results of the study were analyzed by calculating a mean and standard deviation for each of the 19 questions. In addition, t-tests were used to determine if significant differences existed between the two groups of teachers and their responses to each of the questions. Correlation coefficients were computed between the 19 questions and the …

A Comparative Study Of The Effectiveness Of Two Approaches To Reading Instruction, Whole Language And Direct Instruction With Perceptually Impaired Students, Malika A. Byrd

Theses and Dissertations

This study was designed to investigate the reading achievement of two groups of special education students classified as perceptually impaired. The two groups of children were provided with two different types of reading instruction in two different settings. One group received whole language reading instruction in the regular classroom as mainstreamed students. The other group received direct reading instruction in a self contained classroom.

At the conclusion of the study, it was found that both groups of students made some progress. All students improved their scores of reading achievement as measured by the CAT V inventory test. Pre-test results showed …

Regular And Special Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Inclusion, Michelle L. Burton

Theses & Honors Papers

Inclusion is one of the most controversial issues facing education today. With the passing of p·.L. 94-142, all children were guaranted the right to a free and appropriate education. The major concern is whether or not the regular education classroom is appropriate for all children.

The purpose of. this study was to survey regular and special education teachers regarding inclusion . One-hundred ninety-five regular and special education teachers in the state of Virginia completed a survey assessing their perceptions of inclusion . The results showed a significant difference between regular and special education'teachers' outlook on inclusion . Implications of the …

The Effect Of Organizational Structure On Perceived Teaching Efficacy In Classrooms For Students With Emotional And Behavioral Disorders, Trisha Barker

Theses & Honors Papers

A survey research design was used to examine the relationship between organizational structure and personal and teaching efficacy. Subjects were drawn from a randomly selected 15% of the teachers of students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (E/BD) in the state of Virginia . A researcher constructed questionnaire was used to gather data on the attitudes of organizational structure, and an instrument developed by DiBella-McCarthy, McDaniel and Miller (1995) was used to determine high and low teaching and personal efficacy. Fifty-three percent of the questionnaires were returned and analyzed with independent sample t-tests and a one-way Analysis of Variance. An independent sample t-test …

Acquisition Of Keyboarding Skill: A Single Subject Design, Stacey Wirt

Theses & Honors Papers

The effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction,. mnemonics, and constant time delay procedures to teach basic keyboarding skills and letter/sound correspondence was investigated in this study. The study was done with an elementary-school child who has been described as having a mental disability and a speech language impairment.· He has been diagnosed with Robinow Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Research has shown that computers are an effective method for teaching students with disabilities who have difficulties with paper-and-pencil tasks. Data were collected twice a week over a six-week period. The results indicated that mnemonics was ·effective in teaching letter/sound correspondence. However, …

A Qualitative Study To Review Community Reactions To Students With Mental Retardation Involved In Community Based Instruction, Annette L. Keatts

Theses & Honors Papers

Community-based instruction (CBI) is an important part of many educational curricula. Through CBI, employees from various service industries come into contact with individuals with mental retardation. Using a qualitative study:, the purpose of this research was to identify employees' reactions to customers with mental retardation. Six subjects were randomly selected to participate in the study. Two subjects from the fast food industry:, supermarket industry:, and the department store industry: were selected. One subject from each location had experience working with individuals with mental retardation. Subjects responded to a series of open ended questions. Results indicated five themes: (1) Employees perceive …

Teaching Purchasing Skills Through The Application Of Constant Time Delay To Students With Moderate Mental Retardation During Community-Based Instruction, Jennifer L. Hueston

Theses & Honors Papers

A constant time delay procedure was used to teach two students with moderate mental retardation how to purchase food at local fast food restaurants and snacks at a local convenience store. Students were taught to purchase the items using paper money and were required to determine the amount due by locating the next dollar up amount on a number line. A 5-second time delay was used in teaching the subjects these purchasing skills. Training was evaluated with a multiple probe design across settings. Results indicated subjects did not reach criterion in the fast food setting. In the convenience store setting …

Factors Affecting The Adaptations Made By General Educators For Students With Learning Disabilities In The Regular Classroom, Allison Kelly Hoke

Theses & Honors Papers

The subjects in this study were 129 general educators from elementary schools in Virginia. These subjects all had at least one student with learning disabilities in the classroom. A researcher-developed, three part survey was used to collect the data . The survey examined relationships among factors influencing teachers' decisions to make accommodations and the actual accommodations that were employed in the classroom.

The results revealed several accommodations which were frequently implemented in the classroom by the general educators. These teachers often gave oral tests to students with learning disabilities, allowed the students to work in pairs, and individualized the assignments …

Functional Assessment As Strategy Assessment For Teaching Academics, Jo Mary Hendrickson, Robert A. Gable, Christy Novak, Stephanie Peck

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

Functional assessment of aggressive, aberrant, and challenging behavior has dominated the literature with relatively little attention given to the potential utility of functional assessment in academics. The purpose of this article is to advocate functional strategy assessment as a procedure for acquiring data to support the formulation of intervention hypotheses by school-based personnel with the aim of improving the academic performance of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. A functional strategy assessment model is presented, and two case illustrations are employed to demonstrate the feasibility of this assessment model for use by practitioners. Examples of both an individual and small …

Developing Career Awareness For Upper Elementary Grade And Special Education Students, Shirley Huang

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Providing Positive Programming For Students In Special Education Identified As Being Seriously Emotionally Disturbed, Derrick Anderson

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

A Resource Guide For Teachers Of Kindergarten Through Second Grade With Skills To Enhance Classroom Management, Christie E. Cox

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a resource guide to provide general education teachers with effective strategies in dealing with primary aged students who exhibit aggressive behaviors. The resource guide will provide effective behavior management models, intervention strategies, and techniques for assessment based on selected literature.

Self Advocacy For Middle School Students With Serious Behavior Disorders And Other Learning Disabilities, Judith Carole Riddell

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a leaflet designed to teach the motivational value of student participation in development of their own Individualized Education Program (IEP). The leaflet, entitled It's My IEP, provided suggestions for teaching students about the IEP process. It also provided information and justification for teachers and parents to encourage their students' participation, in order to teach the skill of self advocacy. The informative leaflet was intended to promote collaboration between handicapped students and their IEP team. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and research was conducted. Recommendations were made for the implementation …

Training For And The Use Of Technology And Assistive Technology In Special Education: A Survey In The State Of Illinois, James D. Basham

Masters Theses

This study was designed to examine the training of special education teachers employed in public schools in Illinois regarding educational technology and their use of educational technology in the classroom. Surveys were sent to a randomly-selected sample of special education teachers from the school districts and a randomly selected sample of the special education teachers of half of all special education cooperatives in Illinois. All teacher training institutions in Illinois that provide coursework for special education certification were also surveyed. Analysis was performed on the data from schools and cooperatives because the return rates for these two groups were considered …

Sacred Spaces, Jean Trounstine

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Drama in the prison classroom teaches that transgression can enhance spirituality.

Spirituality And Composition: One Teacher's Thoughts, Irene Papoulis

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

The author explores her ambivalence about combining her interest in spirituality and her composition teaching.